Joseph Charles Pizzolato

He left on a spring day, just as his loving wife Honey did fifteen years before. Nearing the end of his earthly journey with loving family by his side, he listened to "their song" as her picture lay on the pillow next to him. When the curtains were opened to reveal the beautiful sunny day, he squeezed the hands that held his and he was gone -- the afternoon of Saturday, March 26, 2016. He was born Joseph Charles Pizzolato on September 8, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the first of four children to Joseph and Frances Pizzolato. He was raised downtown on Music Street and grew up around an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins that filled his childhood with many wonderful memories. He graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School and in 1946, enlisted for two years in the US Army near the end of WWII and before war was declared in Korea. After his discharge he studied watch repair and jewelry making in Kansas City, Missouri before returning to New Orleans. On November 20, 1946 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Elaine Joy "Honey" Louderbough. A devoted husband of nearly 55 years, he provided her with a comfortable lifestyle in Chalmette Vista. He worked at Kaiser Chemical and Aluminum Company as a spectographer and lab foreman, but also worked at home as a jeweler. He was a loving father to their sons Michael and Raymond. At Honey's request he retired in his early fifties to spend more time with her, family, and to travel the country in their motor home. He was an avid baker and often extended his wares as gifts to family and friends. After Katrina, he moved to Arkansas to live with his son Michael where he made new friends that became like family. He would return in the winter to escape the cold and spend time with family in New Orleans, St. Bernard and Lacombe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his son, Raymond Vincent Pizzolato, who had preceeded him in death by only eleven days. He is survived by his son, Michael Joseph Pizzolato; his brother, Ronald "Pete" Pizzolato; twin sisters, Loyce Pizzolato Ragas and Joyce Pizzolato Havrda; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchidren, nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by the many friends who were touched by his caring way.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Catholic Memorial Mass at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m.